Jakarta is a gateway to exciting holidays, from adventure to pure luxury; it has something to offer everyone. For new mothers living in the slums of Jakarta, life is far from a holiday though. Just keeping their babies healthy can be a daily struggle. 

The Government of the Faroe Islands and Mercy Corps, a global international relief and development charity, are working together to address this problem. The project, called Healthy Start, highlights the benefits of breastfeeding for babies living in slum communities in North Jakarta. It follows best practice guidelines for breastfeeding called “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” developed by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation for the health and survival of babies worldwide.

Currently, Indonesia’s lack of regulation means milk formula companies are able to provide tempting incentives to encourage new mothers to use formula. Doctors and other health providers are given holidays and new mothers are presented with lavish hampers of milk formula products, to encourage them to use it immediately after birth.

Rina
Rina, a 30 year old first time mother, started feeding her son, Fahmi, with formula when he was 10 days old. “Fahmi was crying a lot. The midwife told me that my breast milk was not enough and I have to give formula milk in addition to my breast milk.”

In urban Jakarta, the health benefits of breastfeeding are not commonly understood. Instead, mothers are encouraged to formula feed their babies which increases their vulnerability to poor health and nutrition and illnesses from unclean water.

The Faroese Government and Mercy Corps are making great progress. They are reaching out to new mothers, midwives and health officials by creating supportive breastfeeding groups and health facilities to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding. The project is working in 20 sub-districts in North Jakarta training managers, doctors and midwives from 156 health facilities and 200 community volunteers to organise mother support groups. In total approximately 200,000 women of childbearing age will benefit from the project.

Cucu:
Cucu, 34, lived in a cramped house with her husband and four children in a very poor fishery community in the Cilincing area of North Jakarta. Cucu was not aware that exclusively breastfeeding her children would be beneficial, until she joined Mercy Corps’ training for community volunteers. Afterwards, she decided to breastfeed on her newborn and already she can see the results. Her youngest daughter, Novita, looks different from her other children who were being fed on formula milk. Cucu said, “She’s our fourth child but she’s the one and only who I breastfed immediately after birth. Look at her. She looks pretty and healthy.”

Cucu has now set up a mother support group in her neighborhood to help other mothers appreciate the advantages and joys of breastfeeding their children.

Young mothers living in slums Jakarta face many daily uncertainties. But thanks to Mercy Corps and the Faroese Government, hopefully the healthy development of their children will be one thing they can be sure about.

For more information about the Faroese Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Mercy Corps visit www.mfa.fo  and www.mercycorps.org.uk 

FACT BOX

The World’s most beautiful islands – the Faroes

The Faroe Islands lie northwest of Scotland situated halfway between Iceland and Norway. This collection of 18 islands were recently voted the most appealing destination in the world due to its unspoilt landscape, traditional grass roof houses and welcoming local community.  With a range of activities from summer festivals to sailing, it is perfect for adventurous travellers looking for something different. To find out more visit  www.visitfaroeislands.com

8 December 2008